Columbia Interfaith Resource Center

You can make a difference by donating today to Room at the Inn to help keep us open all day on Saturdays. During the last few years, Columbia's homeless population has seen a steady increase, service organizations are struggling to keep up with the increase. This increase in need is most visible in the elderly and the infirm. There is currently a gap in our community's efforts to ensure Winter safety for our most vulnerable population. With your help, Room at the Inn would like to help narrow that gap.

Room at the Inn has been Columbia's Winter emergency homeless shelter for 15 years, beginning in the Autumn of 2023--with community support--year-round operations were begun. We would like to take the next step and begin all day Saturday operations this Summer, but we can't do it without your help.

If we can reach our goal of $15,000, Room at the Inn will begin staying open all day on Saturdays, providing a safe haven for those wishing to avoid extreme temperatures. Your donation will go directly toward staffing and supplying the shelter for these extended operating hours. If we somehow manage to surpass our goal by 50%, we will add all day Sunday operations before the coldest part of Winter begins.

Saturday Cafe, a coalition of downtown Columbia faith-based organizations provide breakfast every Saturday morning. Room at the Inn will be partnering with Saturday Cafe to relocate it to the shelter. We believe this change will help the provider churches, downtown businesses, the public transit system, but most importantly it will improve the lives of those that we serve.

We truly appreciate the community's support. If unable to give monetarily, we invite you to sign up for a volunteer shift. It is a rewarding experience and is truly appreciated.

Our target date for beginning extended Saturday hours is July 1st, but we can't do it without your help.